Nessus

Greek mythology

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Nessus was a centaur in Greek mythology who met his end at the hands of the hero Hercules. Nessus attempted to abduct Hercules' wife, Deianira, but Hercules intervened and shot the centaur with a poisoned arrow. Before he died, Nessus, seeking revenge, advised Deianira to keep his blood, claiming it would act as a love charm. Later, when Hercules fell for another woman, Deianira, in her jealousy, smeared Hercules' tunic with Nessus's blood. This act proved fatal, as the poisoned blood caused Hercules immense torment, leading to his death.12

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Heracles
…taking her home, the Centaur Nessus tried to violate her, and Heracles shot him with one of his poisoned arrows. The Centaur, dying, told Deianeira to preserve the blood from his wound, for if Heracles wore a garment rubbed with it he would love none but her forever. Several years…
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…taking her home, the Centaur Nessus tried to violate her, and Heracles shot him with one of his poisoned arrows. The Centaur, dying, told Deianeira to preserve the blood from his wound, for if Heracles wore a garment rubbed with it he would love none but her forever. Several years…
Read More